June 29, 2018
by Jade Cole
We are so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in family and friends (Proverbs 17:17). For additonal strength, may you find it in God who cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Please accept our deepest condolences.
Elizabeth Jane Simpkins (née Blemker), 61, of Glassboro, NJ. Beloved wife of Thomas Simpkins, 62, of Glassboro. Mother of Jennifer Simpkins Myers, 35, of Cary, NC; her husband, Sean Myers; and the late David Simpkins. Grandmother of Nathan Thomas and Ellen Elizabeth of Cary, NC. Daughter of the late I. William Blemker, MD, and the late Nancy Blemker (née Lemmon) of Woodbury/Mullica Hill. Sister of Marjorie Pollack and her husband Bryan of Sewell; and Susie Oliver and her husband James of Orem, UT.
Liz (AKA Lizzie and Betty Jane) was a member of the Woodbury High School class of 1975. She played field hockey, golf, and sang in the travelling choir. She graduated from the University of Delaware in 1979 with a degree in Animal Science, then got her Associate’s Degree in Nursing at Gloucester County College. Over more than 30 years, Liz cared for a variety of patients in ER, recovery, dialysis, ICU/PCU, palliative, and hospice care specialties. She was a passionate healer and care-giver. This led her to study Eastern healing modalities, such as Reiki and massage therapy, which could complement best practices in Western medicine. Liz had an artist’s soul, and worked with any medium that captured her fancy. She was proficient in painting, pastels, jewelry making, spinning and fiber arts, bead embroidery, photography, sewing, and upcycling, to name a few. She loved nature in its many forms. Whether water skiing in the Chesapeake, hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, or taking pictures in the New Jersey salt marshes, Liz found inspiration all around her. Like her father, Dr. Blemker, Liz was an avid gardener. Her gardens were a source of joy in life, and now offer solace to her family and friends.
A wake to celebrate Liz’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Liz’s name to Longwood Gardens, PO Box 501, Kennett Square, PA 19348. A walk through the Gardens, to enjoy the beauty that Liz loved, would also be an appropriate memorial.
Tributes are short messages commemorating Elizabeth, or an expression of support to her closest family and friends. Leave your first tribute here, and others will follow.
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